Facial problems and injuries

Caring for a minor facial injury

• Use ice.
  • Put ice or a cold pack on your face for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake).
• Keep your head elevated.
  • Do this even while you sleep. This will help reduce swelling.
• Apply heat.
  • After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to the area that hurts. Types of heat therapy include microwavable packs and disposable heating patches.
  • Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
  • You might also try switching between cold and heat.
• Don't take aspirin or other NSAIDs.
  • For the first 24 hours after your injury, don't take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin prolongs the clotting time of blood. It may cause more nose or facial bleeding.
• Eat wisely.
  • Eat soft foods and cold foods and drinks to reduce jaw and mouth pain.
  • Avoid hot foods or drinks. These may increase swelling around the mouth.
• Don't smoke.

  Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.